Abstract: A method of treating a subject with a cystic fibrosis related disorder includes administering a therapeutically effective amount of at least one PPAR? agonist or a derivative thereof.

Abstract: Serpin enzyme complex receptors are used as targets for therapeutic drugs in the lungs and brain tissue. Any lung or brain disease and any therapeutic drug can be targeted to the lung or brain by use of ligands which specifically bind to the receptors. Complexes for delivery may include proteins, pharmacological agents, or nucleic acids, as well as carrier molecules, and ligands for the receptors. The ligands can be coupled directly to the therapeutic agent or to a carrier molecule which binds to the therapeutic agent.

Abstract: Phosphorylation of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) by cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) is essential for opening the CFTR chloride channel. A short segment containing many negatively charged amino acids (817-838, NEG2) within the regulatory (R) domain of CFTR is a critical regulator of the chloride channel activity. Deletion of NEG2 from CFTR completely eliminates the PKA dependence of the chloride channel. Exogenous NEG2 peptide interacts with the CFTR molecule and exhibits stimulatory effects on CFTR function. Our data suggest that NEG2 interacts with other cytosolic domains of CFTR to control the opening transitions of the chloride channel.

Abstract: Phosphorylation of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) by cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) is essential for opening the CFTR chloride channel. A short segment containing many negatively charged amino acids (817-838, NEG2) within the regulatory (R) domain of CFTR is a critical regulator of the chloride channel activity. Deletion of NEG2 from CFTR completely eliminates the PKA dependence of the chloride channel. Exogenous NEG2 peptide interacts with the CFTR molecule and exhibits stimulatory effects on CFTR function. Our data suggest that NEG2 interacts with other cytosolic domains of CFTR to control the opening transitions of the chloride channel.

Abstract: A protein conjugate consisting of antibody directed at the pIgR and A1AT can be transported specifically from the basolateral surface of epithelial cells to the apical surface. This approach provides us with the ability to deliver a therapeutic protein directly to the apical surface of the epithelium, by targeting the pIgR with an appropriate ligand. Thus, the highest concentration of the antiprotease will be at the apical surface, where it can do the greatest good in accelerating the inflammatory response.

Abstract: A bifunctional molecule consisting of a therapeutic molecule and a ligand which specifically binds a transcytotic receptor can be transported specifically from the basolateral surface of epithelial cells to the apical surface. This approach provides the ability to deliver a therapeutic molecule directly to the apical surface of the epithelium, by targeting the transcytotic receptor with an appropriate ligand. Thus, the highest concentration of the therapeutic molecule will be at the apical surface, where it can have the greatest therapeutic effect.

Abstract: Nucleic acids are compacted, substantially without aggregation, to facilitate their uptake by target cells of an organism to which the compacted material is administered. The nucleic acids may achieve a clinical effect as a result of gene expression, hybridization to endogenous nucleic acids whose expression is undesired, or site-specific integration so that a target gene is replaced, modified or deleted. The targeting may be enhanced by means of a target cell-binding moiety. The nucleic acid is preferably compacted to a condensed state.

Abstract: A protein conjugate consisting of antibody directed at the pIgR and A.sub.1 AT can be transported specifically from the basolateral surface of epithelial cells to the apical surface. This approach provides us with the ability to deliver a therapeutic protein directly to the apical surface of the epithelium, by targeting the pIgR with an appropriate ligand. Thus, the highest concentration of the antiprotease will be at the apical surface, where it can do the greatest good in accelerating the inflammatory response.

Abstract: Nucleic acids are compacted, substantially without aggregation, to facilitate their uptake by target cells of an organism to which the compacted material is administered. The nucleic acids may achieve a clinical effect as a result of gene expression, hybridization to endogenous nucleic acids whose expression is undesired, or site-specific integration so that a target gene is replaced, modified or deleted. The targeting may be enhanced by means of a target cell-binding moiety. The nucleic acid is preferably compacted to a condensed state.

Abstract: Nucleic acids are compacted, substantially without aggregation, to facilitate their uptake by target cells of an organism to which the compacted material is administered. The nucleic acids may achieve a clinical effect as a result of gene expression, hybridization to endogenous nucleic acids whose expression is undesired, or site-specific integration so that a target gene is replaced, modified or deleted. The targeting may be enhanced by means of a target cell-binding moiety. The nucleic acid is preferably compacted to a condensed state.